Tucked into a corner of the Hilton Village neighborhood, The Deli Basket runs a big takeout operation that provides sandwiches and salads to area businesses, including The Daily Press.

But if you're out for lunch, its small, cozy dining area offers a quiet retreat from the busy work place. If the weather is nice, grab one of several outside tables on the grass next to boxwoods and under a persimmon tree.

The restaurant touts its chicken salad, available in a sandwich or as a salad, so I ordered the salad version. The main event is chunks of white meat tossed with mayo and a mild spice blend. For a small extra charge, you can add a combination of grapes, walnuts, onions or celery to the salad.

The chicken was fresh and tender and the spices didn't overpower the salad though I could definitely taste them. The dish included mixed greens, tomato wedges, cukes and carrot strips.

The Deli Basket has a wide range of sandwich meats plus chef's salad, seafood salads and salads prepared with grilled chicken and salmon. There are daily specials such as the barbecue offered the day I ate there. — David Nicholson